As the opening ceremony unfolded at the iconic San Siro Olympic Stadium, the moment carried deep symbolism. The procession of the flagbearers of peace set the tone, and among them was Eliud Kipchoge, walking eighth, carrying the Olympic flag with quiet dignity as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games were officially declared open. It was a ceremony rich in colour, culture, and meaning — a celebration of unity at the heart of the Olympic movement.

For Kipchoge, the moment reflected a lifelong dream shared by countless athletes around the world. In a post on his social media, he described the Olympic Games as the dream of children everywhere, born on playgrounds and local fields, where sport first teaches hope. Carrying the Olympic flag into the opening ceremony, he wrote, was a profound honour — one that connected his personal journey to a global story.

The ceremony itself echoed that message. Seeing the world’s greatest athletes gathered from different sports and every corner of the globe reinforced what makes the Olympics unique: diversity united by respect. Peace was not just a theme, but a living presence, embodied by those who carried the Olympic flag and by the voices that followed.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the unifying power of sport and its responsibility to inspire understanding in a divided world. Giovanni Malagò, President of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, welcomed the global community to Italy, presenting the Games as a shared celebration built on harmony and cooperation. The message reached a powerful emotional peak when UN Peace Ambassador Charlize Theron delivered words inspired by Nelson Mandela — a reminder that hope, dignity, and peace can transcend generations and borders.

Kipchoge’s presence among the peace flagbearers gave the ceremony added depth. A former world marathon record holder and Olympic champion, his legacy extends beyond victories and records. His belief that sport can unite humanity resonated clearly as he wished athletes success in the days ahead, expressing hope that Olympic dreams would be realised on the world’s biggest stage.

As Milano Cortina 2026 began, the image of Eliud Kipchoge carrying the Olympic flag stands as a powerful symbol — of childhood dreams fulfilled, of peace carried forward, and of sport’s enduring ability to unite the world.